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Dosha Meditation
I start with a simple meditative practice to help ground and balance me for the day to come. I’ll do an internal check- in with my energies, or doshas, to see how I’m feeling. This is done by asking questions like, do I feel secure, stable, calm, collected? If not, I envision myself grounding down into the earth, with roots growing into the ground below me. Next, I ask, am I feeling confident, accomplished and in my power? If not, I envision a flame within my belly.
Adaptogenic Golden Milk
I adore drinking golden milk because of its healing benefits. Golden milk is a traditional Ayurvedic tonic made with turmeric, ginger, black pepper and a healthy fat like coconut oil to aid the absorption of these spices. I also add ashwaghanda, an adaptogenic herb, for extra hormone-balancing benefits. You can use water, but I prefer to froth any alt-milk I have on hand for a simple treat.
Self-Massage
I always end my day with an abhyanga, or a self-massage. This massage stimulates the lymphatic system, increases blood flow, reduces cellulite and soothes the nervous system. Using your choice of oil, deeply massage in an upward motion toward the heart. I use coconut oil in the hot months and sesame oil in the cooler months. I feel so much more grounded after my abhyanga!
Warm Water
Every morning upon waking, I drink warm, still water. Because your internal temperature is 98°F, the thinking is that you should drink liquids with a similar temperature for easier absorption. This is a great way to start the day hydrated.
Tongue Scraping
Tongue scraping is an absolute must for me. It is the Ayurvedic practice of removing the white mucus on the coat of the tongue with a U-shaped device. This practice improves digestion because it allows the tongue to be more receptive to the foods you are eating. It has also been demonstrated to remove bacteria in the mouth, which can cause bad breath and even tooth decay.